Fitness changed life of Olean business owner: ‘I can’t imagine doing anything else’

By JOHN BARTIMOLE

Special to Olean Times Herald | October 11, 2025(Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of eight articles spotlighting the businesses making up the 2025 Laine Business Accelerator cohort.)

OLEAN — By his own admission, two decades ago, David Preston was an overweight computer guy with little, if any interest, in physical fitness.

Now, 20 years later, he has turned his back on his computer- related career and has built Preston Personal Training, a private fitness studio in Olean, into his full-time business — and built himself up, as well.

“If you have told me then that I’d be working full-time, helping people with their fitness needs, I would have never guessed that in a million years,” Preston said.

“When I decided I needed to lose some weight and get into better condition, I had no idea of what to do. “So, I went into

the gym and copied what others were doing,” he said.

“And I enjoyed it, to the point where I was losing weight and gaining muscle.

One thing led to another, and I began entering some body building shows and powerlifting competitions and strongman competitions.”

People noticed his progress and began asking Preston for advice. “At first, I was doing this all for me, but then I started training clients on the side and became certified in 2016. A year later I took a job at Alfred University as head strength coach.”

He opened his studio at 601 Front St. in 2023, and continued training clients on the side. “But then, it got to be too much, trying to do my job at Alfred and working at the studio. So, I had a decision to make … and I opted for the studio. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. “Fitness changed my life, and helped me with my obesity, my anxiety and my lack of confidence,” he said. “I wanted others in our community to experience those same wins. What began with training a few clients on the side has grown into a thriving studio serving about 75 people weekly, and hundreds more over the year through classes, remote coaching, and seminars. Today, we even work with clients across multiple countries.”

What makes Preston Personal Training different from other fitness venues?

“First of all, we are a private studio, not

a public gym,” Preston said. “Every one of our programs is fully customized in the aspects of training, conditioning, nutrition, and recovery. We focus on sustainability, not quick fixes.

“We look at the overall picture,” he said. “We look at a person’s individual goals, what their schedule is.

“Our mission is simple,” he continued. “To meet people where they’re at and help them build sustainable fitness habits that last.”

And Preston’s commitment goes beyond his passion for helping others with their fitness.

“We’re committed to giving back through community health and wellness events, partnerships with local schools and corporate wellness programs,” he said. He has partnered also with EARS and the SPCA, hosting puppy and kitten yoga fundraisers to raise money and awareness for local animal rescues.

His involvement in the Laine Business Accelerator came through an unexpected email.

“Someone mentioned that we would be a good candidate for the program,” he said. “Six months ago, I would not have sought it out. I am not from Olean, didn’t know a lot of people here … but the LBA has been very helping in mentoring and networking. It’s been a very positive experience.”

He hopes to use his experience with the LBA to help him expand his business into Allegany County, where he lives. “Again, it’s about helping communities.”

Not a bad outcome for a former computer guy who once had little interest in physical fitness.